Cholesterol and Children

Cholesterol Drugs Slideshow

• Cholesterol and Children Introduction
• What Is Cholesterol?
• Best Cholesterol Levels
• Screening Children for High Cholesterol
• Research Results
• Treating High Cholesterol in Children
• Dietary Guidelines
• Tips for Heart-Healthy Eating and Exercise
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Related healthy recipe articles:
  Healthy recipes - on WebMD
  Healthy recipes - on MedicineNet

Cholesterol and Children Introduction

High cholesterol is a risk factor for coronary heart disease in adults, but some children may be at risk for premature coronary heart disease if they have high cholesterol levels earlier in life. Most parents don’t know their children’s risks, and health care providers often don’t test children’s cholesterol levels. 

According to the American Heart Association, there is sound research that the process of cholesterol buildup in arteries begins in childhood. Childhood may be the time to intervene with lifestyle changes that include sound diet and plenty of exercise, especially for children determined to be at high risk.